Fairhill Planting Guide
Native plants in the sub-tropics
The Sunshine Coast's subtropical climate is ideal for Australian natives — but the key to success is drainage, soil preparation and correct after-care. Follow this guide to give your plants the best start.
See www.fairhill.com.au/planting-guide for the latest updates to this guide.
Step 1
Choose the right location
- Most natives prefer full sun to part shade.
- Morning sun is loved by most plants.
- Afternoon sun can be extremely harsh.
- Some plants need full sun.
- Shelter from wind. If planting in an exposed area, drive a solid stake into the ground before planting (not through the roots of your young plant).
- Avoid boggy or low-lying areas.
- Allow for good drainage — we can have heavy downpours.
- Remember — Australian soil needs mulch just like your skin needs sunscreen!
Step 2
Prepare the soil — make a mound
Many plants including gums and grevilleas prefer to be planted on a mound — this allows for free drainage.
Mound: 15–30 cm high, 60–90 cm wide (or as the position allows). Prevents waterlogging during heavy rain events.
- 1If you need a stake, drive it into the ground first. Loosen the soil.
- 2If laying cardboard to suppress weeds, lay it with a hole below each plant. Form a wide, low mound.
- 3Blend native mix / Red Soil Organics into the top 10–15 cm.
Step 3
Compost & soil amendments
Native plants prefer free-draining, low-phosphorus organic matter.
Recommended
- Red Soil Organics Morpheus blended with your soil/compost
- Red Soil Organics Compost
- Native-specific potting mix
- Sugarcane Mulch — moisture retention without smothering plants
Avoid
- Mushroom compost
- Chicken manure
- Fertilisers high in phosphorus — natives prefer 'low P'
Step 4
Planting a native
- 1Water the pot before planting — submerge in a bucket of water until no air bubbles emerge (bubbles mean the plant was too dry).
- 2Carefully remove the plant — laying it on its side on the mound works well. Do NOT tease out the roots. Place it in the hole, level the soil surface around the plant.
- 3Gently firm the soil around the plant.
- 4Do not bury the trunk / stem.
- 5Mulch 5–7 cm deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk / stem.
Gums
Gums like to be planted fairly deeply — this gives them extra stability. Don't shallow plant.
Grevilleas
When planting a large grevillea — especially a standard — stake for at least a couple of years while the trunk thickens. Use a long, solid stake right to the top. Sink the stake in the ground before planting to avoid driving it through the roots. Good advice for any tall native in an exposed or windy spot.
Step 5
Watering schedule
- First 2–4 weeks: water daily.
- Next 2 months: 2–3 times per week.
- After establishment: at least weekly — up to twice daily during very hot, windy or prolonged dry spells.
Step 6
Fertilising
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser twice yearly — spring and autumn.
Step 7
Protection
If you have a problem with chickens, rabbits, roos or wallabies, make cages from 60 cm wide chicken wire — cut 1 m lengths, form into cylinders and fix in place with three star pickets or bamboo stakes.
Step 8 · The list
Best long-lived natives for Sunshine Coast gardens
- Banksia
- Callistemon (bottlebrush)
- Corymbia (Gums) — especially grafted dwarf flowering gums
- Dianella
- Grevillea — especially grafted
- Hardenbergia
- Lilly Pilly (Acmena, Syzygium, Waterhousea)
- Lomandra
- Melaleuca
- Midyim berry
- Native ginger / turmeric
We're here to help
Need a hand?
The best time of day to drop in for advice is 2.30–3.30pm. We have a Registered Landscape Architect on the team who can advise on-site at your property, virtually via video call, or here at the nursery. On site is best.
We're also happy to recommend gardeners and landscapers with green fingers and thumbs.
Fairhill Native Botanic Gardens & Nursery
11 Fairhill Road, Ninderry QLD 4561
Because every day in the gardens is an adventure.